Functions of Public Poetry:
* Preservation of History and Culture: Poetry was the primary way to transmit stories, genealogies, and historical events. Think of it as a living encyclopedia of the past.
* Entertainment and Social Bonding: Recitations provided a shared experience, bringing people together for amusement and fostering a sense of community.
* Inspiration and Motivation: Poems often celebrated heroic deeds, inspiring listeners to emulate these virtues and uphold their cultural ideals.
* Religious and Spiritual Expression: Poetry was used to express religious beliefs, invoke gods, and explore the mysteries of life and death.
* Social Commentary and Critique: Poets could use their art to comment on current events, criticize the actions of leaders, and even satirize social norms.
The Missing Function:
To answer your question directly, the social function NOT typically associated with public poetry recitation in these cultures is formal education. While poetry played a role in transmitting knowledge, it was not a structured system of teaching like modern schools.
Let me know if you'd like more detail on any specific function!